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9 March 2017, 09:39 PM | #1 |
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Opinions on Hamilton
I'm considering buying a Hamilton watch so thought I would ask one of the most knowledgeable places on the internet!
I have loved watches all my life but through financial considerations, I've only ever brought Quartz. With my first serious job role, I treated myself to a Seiko diver and a few years later, a Seiko chronograph. Early last year, I had a pay rise so got my as then dream watch, the Tag Heuer F1 McLaren. Now here's my dilemma: I have chatted here previously about wanting an Omega Seamaster 300 or a Rolex Submariner but that idea will be put on hold till next year. However, on a holiday in London this week, I saw a Hamilton Kharki for sale and fell in love with it. It looked beautiful, has a Swiss ETA movement, costs around £400 and after reading up on their history, love the feel of Hamilton. So here's my question. Are Hamilton looked fondly upon, are they well made, realisable and would it be a good idea for me to sell my Tag, buy the Hamilton and enjoy it till next year when I may flip it for a Rolex or Omega? It could be a great introduction to mechanical watches with a stunningly priced piece. |
9 March 2017, 10:29 PM | #2 |
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Hamilton and Elgin were two US watchmakers with a great history. They started out as Pocket Watch makers, and when the advent of the railroad required better accuracy in keeping time, their pocket "railroad" watches met the challenge.
In the 20th century, their approach to wrist watches was to tier their ranges from inexpensive and crude entry level watches to beautiful, gold (up to) 25 jewel pieces. Then came the electric watches. Hamilton had some extremely magnificent electric watches. The Quartz advent shattered the US Watch industry. Elgin and Hamilton were bought by Swiss, and Elgin later sold to Chinese. Modern Hamiltons are quality Swiss watches while Elgins are cheap throwaways. Oh, but for what once was...check out vintagehamilton.com (I don't think the rules allow me to link, as that site sells vintage watches) for views of restored vintage Hamiltons, Elgins and Walthams from the '30s to '50s. As for your dilemma- I'm an old guy. The advice I have for young guys (like you) is that a man should know for himself what whisky, women or watch he likes, and not worry what others think (myself, Inhave determined that the presence of grain alcohol in better Johnny Walker blends spoils my appreciation for them not one whit). If you really like the Hamilton, trust your judgment. You are right. |
10 March 2017, 01:42 AM | #3 |
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Thanks for the history of Hamilton and thoughts about what to choose Stats Man!
I'm almost sold on the Hamilton. I'm currently talking to a pre-owned watch specialist here in the UK who are interested in my Tag Heuer and doing some last minute reading on Hamilton Khaki and the ETA 2824-2 movement. I think I'm going for it! :) |
10 March 2017, 03:05 AM | #4 |
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My Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic
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10 March 2017, 03:06 AM | #5 |
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I like current Hamiltons. Good bang for the buck. The Khaki is great.
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10 March 2017, 03:13 AM | #6 |
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The Khaki is a classic field watch. I've got the 44mm version and it is a great watch especially for the money.
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10 March 2017, 03:23 AM | #7 |
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I've had a Hamilton GMT for at least a year (that I bought from a TS here) and so far it's kept perfect time. I love it. Here it is:
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10 March 2017, 04:16 AM | #8 |
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Wow, lovely to hear Rolex guys to be so positive about Hamilton! :)
This was the specific Khaki I saw in London. |
10 March 2017, 04:41 AM | #9 |
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That Khaki model is one of my favorites. We bought one as a 30th bday present for a nephew. It is casual, but can also be worn with a suit. Seems timeless in style, no pun intended. And it is an affordable Swiss watch.
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10 March 2017, 04:58 AM | #10 |
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I think Hamilton makes a fine watch. Don't get caught up in the "in-house movement" garbage. For the money, they make a great watch.
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10 March 2017, 05:59 AM | #11 |
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My Khaki
Last edited by scarlet knight; 10 March 2017 at 06:34 AM.. Reason: Better picture coming |
10 March 2017, 07:13 AM | #12 | |
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Quote:
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10 March 2017, 07:28 AM | #13 |
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Best value on the lower end.
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10 March 2017, 07:31 AM | #14 |
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as he said
Its a good company making good watches' ETA movements
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10 March 2017, 09:44 AM | #15 |
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Def a nice watch for the money, a nice watch period
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10 March 2017, 03:59 PM | #16 |
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The Khaki models are great looking watches. Agree with others above that Hamilton are some of the best values out there (at the 'lower' end, price wise)
Also, have you checked out Longines? They also make some interesting 'vintage' inspired watches that are pretty cool - i.e. monopusher, column wheel chronographs. And they're also owned by the Swatch Group, so they benefit from that as well (price / value wise). |
10 March 2017, 10:30 PM | #17 |
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I don't know whether it is more quality product over be it Tissot or Nomos but their creations are very cool. I was thinking of Ventura model but didn't buy it
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10 March 2017, 11:04 PM | #18 |
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I have always liked Hamilton and think that they are a value for what they are. Several of the models have great appeal to me and many dealers will discount. Second hand market is not strong but at what you can get the watches for I don't know that they are not keepers. They introduced a new two dial chronograph pre-basel which is sharp. My AD is getting one so I can see.
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10 March 2017, 11:48 PM | #19 |
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Beautiful watch - and I do like the Hamilton history.
Just to throw a cheeky idea out there (seeing as you l also like Seiko); Seiko SNZG13 (~$125) Seiko-SNZG13-Leather-Strap.jpg (Photo courtesy of the internet) Very similar aesthetic, in-house automatic movement, quarter of the price.. And save the money for the Rolex ;) |
11 March 2017, 12:50 AM | #20 |
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Big Hamilton fan here.
A Khaki QNE was my second ever watch purchase (first being a Citizen Eco Drive which I still own). I've had that QNE for over 6 years now, still keeps great time and has never once given me any issues. Sentimental favorite of mine and I'll never get rid of it. I also own an x-copter and a jazz master (gift from the wife). Both of those still work great as well. For the lower-end spectrum, I don't think you can do better than Hamilton or Seiko. |
13 March 2017, 05:25 AM | #21 |
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Many thanks for all the help and advice, it was all much appreciated!
I had a real change of heart when I took a browse at watches today and I pulled the trigger on the first watch I was interested in (Underneath the Explorer II, Submariner and Seamaster) which was the Oris Big Crown Pro Pilot. I'm smitten! It's my first ever mechanical watch so it'll take some time of getting used to but I'm looking forward to making some memories with it. :) |
13 March 2017, 10:09 AM | #22 |
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Oris makes nice watches for value. Keep the Khaki on your radar.
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22 March 2017, 02:05 AM | #23 |
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I love Hamilton. Even though they're no longer American made, they're an American brand with a rich history and many great looking models at very affordable prices.
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